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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 8:15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/8-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/44_Act_08_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 8:15 - Simon the Sorcerer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/8-14.htm" title="Acts 8:14">◄</a> Acts 8:15 <a href="/acts/8-16.htm" title="Acts 8:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />who having come down, prayed for them that they might receive <i>the</i> Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />who came down and prayed for them that they would receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they went down there, they prayed for them so that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit because he had not yet come down on any of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they went down there, they prayed for them, so the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the two apostles arrived, they prayed that these people would be given the Holy Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When they arrived, they prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They went down and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These two went down and prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />who having come down prayed concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />who having come down, prayed for them that they might receive <i>the</i> Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit, -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who, having gone down, prayed for them, that they receive the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when they had arrived, they prayed for them, so that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who, when they went down, prayed over them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they went down and prayed over them so that they would receive The Spirit of Holiness.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />who, when they had gone down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />who upon their arrival, prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />who, indeed, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Spirit: (for He was not yet fallen upon any of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/8-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2461" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hoitines (RelPro-NMP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. "></a> <a href="/greek/2597.htm" title="2597: katabantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.">On their arrival,</a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: prosēuxanto (V-AIM-3P) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">they prayed</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">for</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">to</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">receive</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagion (Adj-ANS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">the Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">16</span>For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a></span><br />And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a></span><br />Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-2.htm">Acts 19:2</a></span><br />and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-13.htm">Luke 11:13</a></span><br />So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-39.htm">John 7:39</a></span><br />He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-44.htm">Acts 10:44-45</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/11-15.htm">Acts 11:15-17</a></span><br />As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning. / Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ / So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a></span><br />You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">1 Corinthians 12:13</a></span><br />For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Galatians 3:14</a></span><br />He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Ephesians 1:13-14</a></span><br />And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, / who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Ephesians 3:16-17</a></span><br />I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, / so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a></span><br />Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-13.htm">1 John 4:13</a></span><br />By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-3.htm">Isaiah 44:3</a></span><br />For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:</p><p class="hdg">prayed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a></b></br> Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19</a></b></br> Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-13.htm">John 14:13,14</a></b></br> And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/20-6.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/acts/8-17.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/8-16.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/9-40.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/8-19.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/acts/8-16.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-1.htm">By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-4.htm">by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-9.htm">among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-15.htm">where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">when Simon would have bought the like power of them, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-22.htm">and exhorting him to repentance, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-25.htm">together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-26.htm">but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>On their arrival</b><br>This phrase refers to the apostles Peter and John, who were sent from Jerusalem to Samaria. The context is the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories, following the persecution of the church in Jerusalem. Samaria was a region with historical tensions between Jews and Samaritans, dating back to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign and the Assyrian conquest. The arrival of the apostles signifies the breaking down of these barriers, fulfilling Jesus' command in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> to be witnesses in "Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."<p><b>they prayed for them</b><br>Prayer is a central practice in the early church, reflecting dependence on God for spiritual empowerment and guidance. The apostles' prayer for the Samaritans highlights the importance of intercession in the life of the church. This act also demonstrates the unity and fellowship among believers, as the Jewish apostles pray for the Samaritan converts, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.<p><b>to receive the Holy Spirit</b><br>The reception of the Holy Spirit is a significant event in the life of a believer, marking the indwelling presence of God. In the context of Acts, the Holy Spirit's coming upon the Samaritans is a pivotal moment, showing that the gift of the Spirit is not limited to Jewish believers but is available to all who accept Christ. This event parallels the Pentecost experience in <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, where the Holy Spirit was first poured out on the apostles. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28-29</a>, about the outpouring of the Spirit on all people. Theologically, it underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for witness and service, as seen throughout the book of Acts.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter_and_john.htm">Peter and John</a></b><br>Two of Jesus' apostles who were sent to Samaria to support the new believers. They played a crucial role in the early church, particularly in spreading the gospel beyond Jewish communities.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>A region north of Judea, historically at odds with the Jewish people. The gospel reaching Samaria signifies the breaking of cultural and religious barriers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/new_believers_in_samaria.htm">New Believers in Samaria</a></b><br>These individuals had accepted the word of God and were baptized, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philip.htm">Philip</a></b><br>An evangelist who initially preached in Samaria, leading to many conversions. His work set the stage for Peter and John's visit.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The third person of the Trinity, whose indwelling presence empowers and sanctifies believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_receiving_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of Prayer in Receiving the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, highlighting the importance of prayer in spiritual matters. Believers today should earnestly seek God in prayer for spiritual empowerment and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a></b><br>The inclusion of Samaritans into the early church demonstrates the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. Christians are called to embrace unity and diversity within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Necessity of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit is essential for living a victorious Christian life. Believers should be aware of their need for the Spirit's presence and power in their daily walk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_apostolic_authority_and_support.htm">The Apostolic Authority and Support</a></b><br>The apostles' visit to Samaria underscores the importance of spiritual oversight and support within the church. Mature believers should mentor and support new converts in their faith journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_christians_evangelize_atheists.htm">How can Christians effectively evangelize to atheists?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_delay_in_samaritans'_holy_spirit.htm">Why didn't Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit immediately?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_the_holy_spirit_leave_a_believer.htm">Can the Holy Spirit leave a believer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_the_trinity.htm">What is the Bible's teaching on the Trinity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Prayed for them, that they might</span> <span class= "bld">receive the Holy Ghost.</span>--The prayer clearly pointed to such a gift of the power of the Spirit as had been bestowed on the Day of Pentecost. It assumed that such gifts had been received by the disciples generally at Jerusalem, and that they were distinct from the new birth of water and the Spirit (<a href="/john/3-5.htm" title="Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.">John 3:5</a>) which was given through baptism. The Apostles looked on the Samaritans as qualified for that higher gift as well as for admission into the kingdom, and it was given to them, and not to Philip in his subordinate position as an evangelist, to be the channels of communicating it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That they might receive the</span> <span class="cmt_word">Holy Ghost.</span> Why was it needful that two apostles should come down to Samaria and pray, with laying on of hands, for the newly baptized that they might receive the Holy Ghost? There is no mention of such prayer or such imposition of hands in the case of the first three thousand who were baptized. They were told by St. Peter, "Be baptized every one of you, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (<a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a>), and they were baptized, and doubtless did receive the Holy Ghost, Neither is there any mention of such things in the case of the subsequent thousands who were baptized at Jerusalem on the apostles' preaching. Why, then, was it so in Samaria? To answer this question, we must observe the difference in the circumstances. The baptisms at Jerusalem were performed by the apostles themselves. The Holy Ghost was given upon their promise and assurance. But in Samaria the preaching and the baptizing were done by the scattered disciples. There was a danger of many independent bodies springing up, owing no allegiance to the apostles, and cemented by no bonds to the mother Church. But Christ's Church was to be one - many members, but one body. The apostolate was to be the governing power of the whole Church, by the will and ordinance of Christ. Hence there was a manifest reason why, when the gospel spread beyond Judaea, these visible spiritual gifts should be given only through the laying on of the apostles' hands, and by the intervention of their prayers. This had a manifest and striking influence in marking and preserving the unity of the Church, and in marking and maintaining the sovereignty of the apostolic rule. For precisely the same reason has the Catholic and Apostolic Church in all ages (<a href="/acts/19-5.htm">Acts 19:5, 6</a>; <a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm">Hebrews 6:2</a>) maintained the rite of confirmation, "after the example of the holy apostles." Besides the other great benefits connected with it, its influence in binding up in the unity of the Church the numerous parishes of the diocese, instead of letting them become independent congregations, is very great. Observe, too, how prayer and the laying on of hands are tied together. Neither is valid without the other. In this case, as at Pentecost, the extraordinary gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred. In confirmation, now that miracles have ceased, it is the ordinary and invisible grace of the Holy Spirit that is to be looked for. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/8-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">On their arrival,</span><br /><span class="grk">καταβάντες</span> <span class="translit">(katabantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2597.htm">Strong's 2597: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they prayed</span><br /><span class="grk">προσηύξαντο</span> <span class="translit">(prosēuxanto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅπως</span> <span class="translit">(hopōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">receive</span><br /><span class="grk">λάβωσιν</span> <span class="translit">(labōsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Holy</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἅγιον</span> <span class="translit">(Hagion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Spirit.</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(Pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/8-15.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 8:15 Who when they had come down prayed (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/8-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 8:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 8:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/8-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 8:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 8:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>